Countdown Begins For Bali’s Renowned Ubud Writers And Readers Festival

Published on August 31, 2025

The eagerly awaited Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is returning to Bali for its 22nd version this year, inviting writers, thinkers, and creatives from astir nan globe to stitchery successful nan taste bosom of Ubud for a ceremony of lit and ideas. This four-day event, 1 of Southeast Asia’s premier literate festivals, is group to return spot from October 29 to November 2, 2025.

A Deep Dive into nan 2025 Theme: “Aham Brahmasmi – I americium nan Universe”

Each year, nan Ubud Writers and Readers Festival adopts a taxable that reflects Bali’s taste heritage, and this year’s theme, “Aham Brahmasmi – I americium nan Universe,” promises to spark profound discussions and debates. The theme, drawn from ancient Hindu accuracy successful nan Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, explores nan conception of unity betwixt nan aforesaid and nan universe, recognizing that each individual shares nan aforesaid imaginative powerfulness arsenic nan cosmos itself.

The taxable raises nan mobility of whether contented and invention tin coexist for nan greater bully aliases if nan accelerated maturation of exertion mightiness outpace civilized and belief progress.

A Gathering of Global Voices and Inspiring Speakers

As 1 of Bali’s starring taste events, nan Ubud Writers and Readers Festival brings together an awesome lineup of speakers from various fields, including award-winning authors, activists, and journalists. The show promises “compelling conversations” pinch an array of literate figures and societal leaders. Attendees tin expect to beryllium inspired, challenged, and transformed done a play of thought-provoking discussions and imaginative exchanges.

The festival’s programming includes writer talks, sheet discussions, literate workshops, unrecorded performances, late-night readings, and overmuch more. These events will supply an immersive acquisition for attendees, inviting them to research lit successful each its forms, from nan written connection to spoken poesy and philharmonic performances.

Bringing nan Theme to Life: Festival Art by Aldilla Laras

This year’s taxable is visually brought to life by creator Aldilla Laras, who is creating show artwork that blends Balinese mythology, collage techniques, and nan accepted lontar (Balinese thenar leafage manuscripts). Laras intends for her artwork to connection viewers a reflective and slow engagement pinch nan piece, encouraging them to decode nan Sanskrit inscriptions and observe deeper layers of meaning arsenic they interact pinch nan work.

Laras expressed her dream that nan festival-goers will link pinch nan creation successful a individual way, making it a lasting portion of their show experience. She is besides excited to sorb nan ambiance of nan arena and time off pinch caller books successful hand.

A Longstanding Tradition of Literary Excellence

Since its inception, nan Ubud Writers and Readers Festival has grown into a world hub for literate and taste exchange. Founded successful consequence to nan tragic 2002 Bali bombing, nan show now brings together immoderate of nan world’s astir influential authors and thinkers to beforehand cross-cultural dialogue. It has grown from a section inaugural into an world ceremony of literature, a beacon for empowerment and idea-sharing successful an ever-changing world.

A Stellar Lineup of Writers and Thinkers

Among nan salient speakers making their return to nan shape this twelvemonth are Shinta Febriany, a respected playwright and writer from Eastern Indonesia; Ratih Kumala, nan recipient of nan 2024 Chommanard Women’s Literary Award; and Ni Made Purnamasari, an acclaimed Balinese writer. In addition, nan 2025 show will characteristic world figures specified arsenic Banu Mushtaq, an Indian writer and women’s authorities activist; Pico Iyer, nan British-born essayist and novelist; and Omar El Akkad, nan award-winning American novelist.

The show is besides group to big nan 2025 International Booker Prize, further solidifying its position arsenic a world level for literate excellence. As nan arena grows, it continues to foster an situation for literate discourse, performance, and nan sharing of ideas that transcend borders and cultures.

Tickets and Festival Information

Tickets for nan Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2025 are now disposable for acquisition connected nan charismatic show website. With an breathtaking lineup and a thought-provoking theme, this year’s arena promises to beryllium an unforgettable ceremony of literature, creativity, and world conversation.